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shaving problem

post #1 of 9
10/17/10 at 10:05am
Thread Starter 
hey guys,

So let me explain my situation a little bit. I have somewhat thick facial hair, i usually let it grow out for a week or two before trimming it very closesly (to the point where it's basically long stubble).

When I DO shave though (not too often) my face gets very dry, and i get some redness/bumps/bad skin around my chin and neck area. It usually goes away after 2-3 days.

I use a Phillips 3-headed shaver when I shave.

So I figure that I should probably get some sort of lotion/cream to deal with the dryness. Probably just normal Nivea cream.

Would you guys have any insight on how to deal with the redness/bumps though? I don't know if it's because i shave infrequently and my face isn't used to it, I guess that could be it. Splashing my face with salt water (i dissolve salt in water, not literally lake water ) has helped before, but doesn't eliminate it completely. Maybe I should get an aftershave? any suggestions?

thanks in advance for your help
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post #2 of 9
10/17/10 at 11:14am
I think the redness and bumps go away if you don't shave for a long time and moisturize while you're not shaving
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post #3 of 9
10/17/10 at 11:16am
http://www.badgerandblade.com/


try spraying your razor with rubbing alcohol to kill any bacteria
use some decent sensitive skin shave cream. soak a towel in hot water and make sure your skin and hair is soft before starting.
shave with the grain or across at first
lots of hot water and layer
use an antiseptic after shaving like witchazel (pick up a bottle of Thayers for cheap and put it into an atomizer)
put on a moisturizing aftershave balm.

Do that for a couple of weeks and see how it goes
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post #4 of 9
10/25/10 at 7:45pm
Thread Starter 
hey,

thanks for the reply, but would you happen to know if there is anything I could do while sticking with an electric shaver?
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post #5 of 9
10/25/10 at 8:22pm
some of the points still apply...

PREP - good prep to soften your skin and hair - soak your skin with hot water, lather up or put on some sort of preshave and let it sit a little while. This will cause less tugging and also make your skin more flexible.

SHAVE - don't mash down too hard, take it easy. Slow and steady.

POST - apply an antibacterial/toner like witchazel to close your pores and clean the skin. Then once dry, a light moisturizer.

POST TOOLS - make sure you replace your blades often so they're sharp.
spray your electric with rubbing alcohol a few times a week and clean it with a ear bud maybe?
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post #6 of 9
10/26/10 at 2:11am
Use Tend Skin. It works quickly to get rid of razor bumps. Google the name.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_...l?brandId=4364
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post #7 of 9
10/26/10 at 5:18am
I tend to have mild razor burn after shaving, but in my case, using strictly alcohol and fragrance free- fragrance gels and aftershave balms by Nivea, as well as Gillette Mach 3 blades (or, from a more recent grooming line by the same manufacturer) and, within few or several hours after shaving, some ridiculously cheap face cleansing and moisturizing products from the Clearskin range by Avon and it does help
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post #8 of 9
10/26/10 at 9:04am
I immediately got rid of the problem by wet shaving and applying Biotherm After Shave Balm (I hate to name a brand, but this did the trick for me).
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post #9 of 9
11/29/10 at 8:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by torontobluered View Post

hey,

thanks for the reply, but would you happen to know if there is anything I could do while sticking with an electric shaver?

I'm afraid to tell you that most men that complain about this issue use electric shavers. Bacteria can build up on the cutting surface, then transferring to the skin infecting the hair follicle. It can also promote ingrown hairs that cause bumps in the skin from the hair trying to grow back inward and under the skin. The most common answer to this issue is to follow a good shave routine as described by "Master-Classter" and discontinue using an electric razor. These are some other important considerations:

- Use a good quality shaving product like shave soap or shave cream. Better yet, try shaving oil.
- Don't fill your sink with water to rise the blade. Run your blade under clean hot water.
- After you are through shaving, be sure to rinse in cold water (the colder the better). This will close the pores and move blood away from the skin surface.
- Allow skin to rest for five minutes before applying a good quality moisturizer that does not contain alcohol. Alcohol will dry the skin.
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